Paging E28 guys/gals

[BMWJNKY]

I'm looking to pick up an E28 535is 5speed. It has high milage(250K) but the head was rebuilt in the summer of '02 and while the head was off the timing belt, water pump, hoses, and t-stat were replaced. They guys says the suspension has no play and doesn't shake on the freeway. From what he says the paint is in good condition and the interior is fine except for a small rip on the side of the drivers seat. The guy is asking $2100 for it but book on it is $1700. I know these cars are kind of rare and I don't know if KBB factors that in or not. What are some of the common problems with these cars? What kind of gas milage should I expect? I work at an idependant BMW repar shop so getting parts isn't an issue for me but I haven't worked there long enough to know the ins and outs of the E28's. I'm kind of in a jam to get a second car cause my 320i needsquite a bit of work and I can't be with out a car while I fix mine. I really like the E28's and would love to have a 535is but the high milage makes me a little leary of buying this one. I only have about $2500 to spend on a second car and this 535is is the only one i've been able to find with in a reasonable distance of where I live, Sacramento area. Any info you can give me will be greatly appricated.

[BMWJNKY]

Anyone? I'm going to go look at and test drive this car Saturday. Is there anything I should pay special attention to other than the reglar BMW stuff like leaking power stearing lines, water pump leaking, coolant or oil loss from head gasket?

[E28boi]

If the suspension is in good shape then you don't have to worry about the control arm bushings and joints. If the head has been rebuilt, then most likely it was overheating. I would drive the car and then let it sit and idle and watch the temps.